Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The international Training Programme in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is designed for individuals holding positions in organizations in the area of SRHR and who are qualified to participate in reform processes at various levels. The programme offers participants the training necessary to help their organizations define and achieve both short- and long-term goals.
 
The central component of the programme will be the participants’ change projects. These will address problems that are within the scope of the training programme and of particular interest to the participant’s respective organizations. The immediate goals of participants will be to:
 
- Develop and implement a change project in the field of SRHR within their organization
- Develop a sustainability plan of the project
- Develop an action plan for continued work on the project within the organization

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The International Training Programme in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is designed for individuals holding positions in organizations in the area of SRHR and who are qualified to participate in reform processes at various levels.The programme offers participants the training necessary to help their organizations define and achieve both short- and long-term goals.

Background

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights has long been on the Swedish development agenda because it concerns the fundamental ability of human beings to exercise control over their sexuality, reproduction, and personal development. 

Programme and Learning Objectives

The long-term objective of the programme is to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of poor women, children, youth and men by:

  • Increasing their access to adequate sexual and reproductive health care
  • Promoting sexual education
  • Increasing the awareness and demand for SRHR services

The programme is held as a 22,5 credit course at Lund University. On completion of the course the participant shall be able to:

Knowledge outcome

  • Explain the development of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) from international and global perspectives
  • Account for the main global challenges concerning SRHR
  • Provide an account of the area from the perspectives of poverty, gender, rights and sustainability
  • Explain the impact of socio-cultural contexts on issues concerning SRHR
  • Account for evidence-based interventions within the area in different populations and sub-groups
  • Account for the importance of organisational development of evidence-based practice within SRHR

Competencies and skills

  • Plan, implement and follow up a change project within the area of SRHR
  • Identify, analyse and critically reflect on research results and use them in the implementation of the change project
  • Use and critically reflect on digital resources in communication as an educational tool.
  • Independently discuss SRHR issues from the perspectives of poverty, gender, rights and sustainability
  • Independently identify challenges in the area in different populations and plan strategies and interventions based on a public health approach.

Judgement and approach

On completion of the programme, the participant shall be able to:

  • Identify ethical dilemmas within SRHR and discuss these based on ethical principles and guidelines
  • Reflect on the approach taken towards different people from different groups from a culturally sensitive perspective
  • Reflect on particularly vulnerable groups with regard to SRHR

Content and Structure

The guiding principles of the programme are its four pillars:1) human rights values, 2) a context-based approach, 3) participatory learning, and 4) national and international networking, which form the programme’s educational framework.

Using a rights-based approach to sexual and reproductive health, it will cover:​

  • Youth sexual health
  • Maternal and neonatal health, including fertility and abortion
  • STIs, HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer
  • Sexual identity
  • Sexual coercion and violence. 

The programme will also focus on leadership, management and poicy changes in SRHR. Participants will sthrengten these skills through the use of information and communication technology. 

Phases

Phase 1– Preparatory period (2 months)
The preparatory phase will take place in the participant’s home country.

Phase 2 – Scheduled programme in Sweden (4 weeks)
The second phase will take place in Sweden. It will concentrate on the theoretical and practical aspects of SRHR, related international policy instruments, leadership and results-based management, and information and communications technologies.

Study visits to Swedish institutions, including youth friendly and maternal health service providers, will be scheduled.
 
During this phase, participants will plan and design a change project with the assistance of an assigned supervisor.

Phase 3 – Interim period (6 months)
After returning to their home counties, participants will establish and implement their respective change projects. Supervisors will provide regular support, including an on-site visit to each country.

Phase 4 – Regional follow-up (1 week)
The fourth phase will consist of a regional workshop in one of the countries represented. All participants will come together to present their change projects, discuss the progress they have made, and receive feedback from programme leaders and their co-participants. The workshop will include scheduled local study visits.

Phase 5 – Continuation of the change projects (6 months)
During the fifth phase, participants will adjust and finalize their change projects and present their results to Lund University and the respective Ministry of Health, and, where appropriate their country’s Ministry of Education. Those participants who complete the course with a passing grade will be awarded a certificate of 22,5 university credits from Lund University.

All participants who complete the programme will also receive a Sida certificate.

Methodology

The programme utilizes various pedagogical methods to stimulate and optimize learning outcomes such as team-based learning, interactive lectures, case study seminars, simulation and value exercises, internet-based group seminars, forum discussions, peer-reviewed assignments and study visits. The participatory design of the programme requires active participation, and everyone is encouraged to share his or her experiences in the field of SRHR. Literature related to the curriculum will be provided.

Targeted Audience

The programme encourages applicants to apply as ‘country teams’, that is, they may come together from single organizations, such as those shown below, and join to work on a mutual challenge. Please note that even in the case of team applications each individual must fill out a separate application.

Preference will be given to country teams consisting of 4 to 6 (maximum) participants who represent a range of professions listed below. Individual applications are also welcome. Ideally, participants will be individuals working in the field of SRHR on the following levels:

  • Local health professionals, midwives, nurse/midwives, and obstetricians who are able to influence decision making in their respective clinical settings
  • Intermediate professionals responsible for education,training, or other project activities in the field of SRHR at the district or provincial level
  • Central policy makers in Ministry of Health or Ministry of Education and SRHR professionals at national teaching institutions.

The programme is also open to national NGO staff members and to individuals from the private sector working in the field of SRHR.

Applicants from INGOs and UN bodies are not prioritized.

PREREQUISITES

  • At least five years of working experience in a field related to SRHR
  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma
  • Computer literacy, including word processing skills and regular access to e-mail and the Internet. Further knowledge in ICT is preferrable.

The training programme will be conducted in English. Applicants from countries where English is not an official language must present a language test from an official body in their home country, 

COST
Sida will cover the costs related to:

  • Participation in the programme, literature, study tours, and scheduled activities
  • Accommodation
  • A meal allowance to cover self-sustained cooked meals
  • International travel to and from Sweden
  • International travel to and from the regional seminar

Each participant is responsible for travel costs to (and from) the international airport nearest their home, visa costs, vaccinations and all personal expenses other that those indicated above.

Application Process

The application should be filled out and submitted through the online application system at https://emecw.gis.lu.se/apply/?lot=SIDA

The following required documents should be uploaded: 

  • a letter of motivation
  • a change project idea
  • academic degree certificate
  • Scan of the paper application form containing a recent photograph, and all required signatures

Applications after deadline (April 15, 2021) will not be considered.

Candidates will be notified of their admittance by e-mail by June 10, 2021. If selected, a participant will be required to attend all phases of the programme. The nominating organization must sign a letter of committment before the start of the programme. 

Programme brochure

Application form
Online application

 

 

 





 

Duration: 1200 h